Fondef Fund for the Promotion of Scientific and Technological

With the premise that Chile is a country rich in plants, Verdugo y Gabriela Vergara Levi Mansur, scientists from the Faculty of Agronomy of the U. Católica de Valparaíso, began to study gender Leucocoryne, known in Chile as Huilli, endemic flower of the country, specifically characteristic of the north and the desert in bloom.

After eight years of research, selected and genetically improved two varieties of these flowers and patented in the U.S., Elena Gabriela and christened. In the coming months expect to get official Patent third variety to be named Paulina.

Research is the product of a partnership between this university, the Chilean government (Fondef y SAG) and Mansur Agricultural Services Company Ltd. It seeks to combine the conservation of native flora commercial use, because Chile can raise property rights if they are grown abroad. “The need to protect this valuable national genetic patrimony is urgent”, Dr. Levi indicates Mansur.

The idea is to export to North America and Europe: “Since the game was exported to the U.S.. last year with good results, because the flower hard enough and the plant has a thick rod and fragrant aroma”, adds the specialist. More information on the site www.leucocoryne.cl.

 

Source: The Third

Date: 21/11/04

 

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